Rare cougar sighting reported in urban Vancouver, far from wilderness

Vancouver: A rare sighting of a cougar has folks buzzing in the Dunbar neighborhood. This big cat was spotted on December 26, right around Blenheim Street, between 26th and 36th Avenues.

It’s quite a distance from the wild, but not too far from Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which is surrounded by busy neighborhoods. A witness driving by saw the cougar, and thankfully, it wasn’t acting aggressive or anything.

So far, no other sightings have been reported. If anyone sees the cougar again, they’re urged to contact the authorities right away. A recent review mentioned that cougars are common in southern B.C., with about 650 living in the Lower Mainland, although they usually stick to areas outside Metro Vancouver.

In places like Vancouver Island and the Kootenays, their numbers can go over 1,100. These cats are pretty good swimmers too! Earlier this year, a cougar sighting on Bowen Island had local officials warning residents to be cautious.

In June, a rugby player got minor injuries from a cougar attack while in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. The B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says cougars sometimes wander into urban areas but are usually pretty secretive.

They advise residents to be careful with pets, especially at night. If you do come across a cougar, stay calm, keep eye contact, and make some noise to scare it off.